THE story of one of football’s biggest tragedies is being brought to life with the help of some North students.

Crafty students from Teesside are making props for the forthcoming movie United, which tells the story of the Busby Babes and the 1958 Munich air disaster, which claimed 23 lives.

The incident robbed the game of some of the finest footballers of their generation.

Starring former Dr Who actor David Tenant, the movie has been filmed in Wallsend among various North locations and is due to hit cinema screens later this year.

And students David Cruickshank and Nick Hope are delighted to have played a key part in the making of the film.

David, 21, who is studying a BA degree in entertainment design and crafts at Cleveland College of Art and Design, said: “We were invited to London to meet the production designer and art director and to show them our portfolios of work on props and costumes.

“They were impressed and offered us a four-week placement. We could not believe it and we were so excited.”

The work placement was based at the Swan Hunter offices in Newcastle.

Nick, 20, who is on the same course, said: “We were involved in making the exterior of the plane and a lot of the time we would prepare the props for the different sets for filming.

“The attention to detail was incredible. We had to cover up modern day sockets and even screws to suit the 1950s. Everything had to be perfect.”

The film shows the incredible support given by the community to the Manchester United players and families who suffered in the disaster.

David said: “Nick and I had the job of writing hundreds of sympathy cards out which featured in the film.

“It was an important job that needed to be done and it just made us realise the timescale involved and the attention that is needed in prop making.”

Nick said: “I have always wanted to be a production designer and now I’ve seen it in real life it has made me want to do it even more. This experience has taught me so much.

“I now realise how dedicated you need to be and to get work afterwards you need to be really good at what you do.”

David was even given an extra’s role. He explained: “I was spotted by the director because of my hair and asked if I would take part. They gave me a 50s quiff and dressed me in appropriate clothes. I was one of the passengers on the flight.

“I couldn’t believe I was asked. It was amazing and I can’t wait to see it.”

Their tutor, Mike Myers, added: “This has been a tremendous opportunity for David and Nick.”